Ethan's BVU Experience

As a very organized, planned, and always ready student, I will say that university from home is not easy, in fact for some it’s nearly impossible and very difficult. From a lack of internet access, to taking on employment, to the inability to maintain an organized learning, environment, to fellow students having to take on responsibilities at home from baby-sitting little siblings stuck at home, and house chores, it's difficult. But, we’re Beavers! And that means we will continue to support each other, be courageous and proud, and continue to be forward-thinkers who are proactive in our attempts to reimagine what education looks like, for the near future and for ourselves. I take on this challenge by embodying and understanding what work-life balance is to me.

On the side of life, it’s checking in. Not just with friends, or family, but with myself. My well-being is just as important. I do this daily by asking, “How am I doing?” This helps me fight strongly against anxiety and stress. I understand myself more. In addition, for my stress and anxiety, I continue to stay informed through the appropriate media (like the WHO, the CDC, and my local government). Quality sources that aim to keep me up-to-date and knowledgeable through facts, not sensationalized media sources like tweets and news channels.

Remember, we’re Beavers. We’re here for each other. That’s why it’s important to also realize that everyone needs help sometimes.

Further, I realize that hyphen between work and life, and it’s importance of separating the two for my physical, mental, and social well-being. I do this by creating a specific space for my work: my office. It has my academic materials, work materials, books, notebooks, pens, etc. for my success in class. Though class times are now fluctuating I ensure that school stays in this space. I continue to maintain a regular schedule of waking up at 5am, and being done with school by 5pm.With a regular walk in the afternoon (representing BVU in bright and bold gold!) and working outside when it’s nice out of course. Afterwards, I pursue a social life!! I FaceTime friends and Zoom hangout and study, I also find myself enjoying my family. It’s important to note that staying socially in-touch is far more than a Snapchat, but actual, human, engagement.

Furthermore, engaging as an RA can be difficult. In my ample free time, I am working with fellow Residence Life staff to help create online community engagement opportunity to stop the boredom we all seem to hit at some point in the day. We provide opportunities to watch movies, play games, meditate, workout, and participate in other forms of engagement through a community calendar paired with Zoom.

Remember what work-life balance is. It is checking in with not only your family or friends socially, but yourself mentally. “How am I doing?” It is planning and maintaining a schedule and choosing balance. It is also understanding and using our resources. Remember, we’re Beavers. We’re here for each other. That’s why it’s important to also realize that everyone needs help sometimes. That there are resources, and Student Success can (and will) do anything and everything in their power to assist students so that they can feel just as successful in this time as every other student. From Residence Life, to Counseling, to Spiritual Life, and the Vice President of Student Success. Understanding these resources is important. Recognizing that they are available is even more important. I urge students who cannot achieve success due to their current position or circumstances to reach out to Student Success directly, or to professors, staff, or fellow students. From Beaver to Beaver. We will continue to build.